Patrick M. Gallivan's posts related to Financial Aid

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R, C, I – 59th District) announced tonight that he and his Senate colleagues passed legislation instituting a rational tuition policy for the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The program, formally titled SUNY 2020, provides for reasonable and predictable tuition increases at SUNY schools across the state.

Members of the Senate Majority Conference today outlined a plan to help middle-class families and students afford the rapidly increasing cost of a college education. The Senate’s 2012 College Affordability Plan would help parents save for higher education for their children and give students and families access to low interest student loans, as well as clear information about the size of the loan debt they are taking on.

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan hailed the 2012 state budget today as lawmakers approved the spending plan ahead of the April 1st deadline, marking the second consecutive year New York State will enact an on-time budget.

“Passing a second on-time budget in as many years is indicative of the larger progress we’ve seen lately in Albany. Just as late budgets were once a symbol of dysfunction, on-time budgets are symbolic of continued progress,” the Senator said. “Even more important than passing an on-time budget, is that we passed a fiscally responsible budget that respects New York’s taxpayers and keeps the State moving forward.”

The New York State Senate voted to approve its 2012-13 Senate Budget resolution, continuing its focus on state spending, job creation, and structural reform to government.

The Senate budget, at just under $132.5 billion, keeps the total state spending increase below two percent, and spends less than the Executive Budget. The budget closes a $2 billion budget deficit and builds on last year’s successes in putting the state’s fiscal house in order.

The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo’s primary education system is an integral part of our community’s past, its present and its future. As the Diocese implements its restructuring plan, New York State should be a partner in trying to alleviate some of the burden potentially affecting thousands of families across Western New York. As a supporter of public and private education, I have sponsored the “education investment incentives act,” which provides tax credits for individuals and parents who donate to a host of different educational advancement organizations that support public, private or home-schooled students. The Senate has passed this legislation several times and I believe it carries the requisite support in the Assembly for passage.